New Delhi, Feb 17 (TNT): Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health India, in partnership with Chhanv Foundation, have conducted a study examining the lived experiences of acid attack survivors, highlighting the deep stigma they face and calling for stronger long-term rehabilitation measures.
Acid attacks remain a significant concern in India and are widely recognised as a form of gender-based violence. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 207 acid attacks were reported in 2023.
However, researchers note that the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting driven by stigma, fear of retaliation, and limited access to healthcare and legal support particularly in underserved and remote areas. Estimates suggest that more than 1,000 acid attacks may occur annually in India.
The study aimed to understand the everyday realities of stigma experienced by survivors in order to inform the design of meaningful rehabilitation and support systems.
Conducted in Noida between November 2023 and April 2024, the research involved eight women survivors and used an arts-based participatory method known as body mapping — the first time this approach has been used globally with acid attack survivors.
Participants created and annotated life-sized outlines of their bodies to express emotions, trauma, memories and resilience.
Researchers said the method can be especially empowering for survivors who may struggle to verbalise experiences due to trauma, communication barriers or limited literacy.
The findings revealed that stigma related to disability and facial disfigurement significantly affected survivors’ psychological wellbeing and social participation.
Many participants reported persistent public scrutiny, negative societal attitudes and discrimination, leading to feelings of devaluation, anxiety and depression.
Several survivors also experienced rejection and abuse within their families.
Loss of access to education and employment due to appearance further compounded emotional trauma and limited their ability to rebuild their lives.
“If you go for a job in any place, they will reject you at once because of your face. You cannot do anything. Now, in this café where we are working, even now some people will see our face and go away from the restaurant,” said Anshu Rajput, an acid attack survivor.
“Our findings show that stigma can be as disabling as the initial injury itself,” said Pratishtha Singh, lead author and researcher at The George Institute.
“Survivors face rejection from families, barriers to education and employment, and constant scrutiny in public spaces. These are not individual tragedies; they reflect systemic gaps in social and governance structures,” Pratishtha added.
The study also identified factors that support survivors in rebuilding their lives. Counselling, peer networks and shared lived experiences were found to be critical in fostering self-acceptance and resilience.
Chhanv Foundation plays a key role in rehabilitation by providing medical care, vocational training, legal assistance, safe housing, employment and advocacy support.
Many survivors are employed at Sheroes Hangout Café, a café initiative run by survivors in cities including Delhi, Noida, Agra and Lucknow.
“We hope this research encourages policymakers to invest in long-term rehabilitation, not just emergency care. Survivors deserve education, employment and dignity, just like anyone else,” said Alok Dixit, founder of Chhanv Foundation.
Ajeet Singh, Chief Operations Officer at the foundation, added: “Many of the girls and women at Chhanv turn their pain into advocacy. This study captures not just their challenges, but also their strength.”
The researchers called for a multi-pronged rehabilitation framework, including: Long-term psychosocial support ; Improved access to education and employment ; Stricter enforcement of regulations on acid sales ; Timely delivery of survivor compensation ; Expanded access to reconstructive and rehabilitative healthcare and Integrated one-stop support centres combining medical, legal, counselling and vocational services.
TNT TS
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